July 03, 2025
Sauk Valley
Wedding Expo NewsletterThank You | Sauk ValleyHome & Garden NewsletterMorning Update | Sauk ValleyA&E | Sauk ValleyArchive | Sauk ValleyCommunityCoronavirus | Sauk ValleyElection | Sauk ValleyMarketing | Sauk ValleyNews - Sauk ValleyOnline NewspaperSauk Valley OpinionPhoto Galleries | Sauk ValleyPremium | Sauk ValleySauk Valley Prep SportsSponsored | Sauk Valley NewsSports - Sauk Valley
Sauk Valley

Ralph Riesselman Jr.

STERLING – Ralph L. "Husky" Riesselman Jr., 70, of Sterling, died Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at his home.

Ralph was born Feb. 17, 1939, in Prairie du Chien, Wis., the son of Ralph and Cora (Mapson) Riesselman. He married Nancy B. Hinrichs on Aug. 31, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling.  Ralph owned and operated Husky Construction Co., for more than 32 years. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling. Ralph enjoyed "opening" the Red Apple Restaurant in Sterling each morning, having the coffee ready for all the early risers, and his time spent at Wilco Rental in Sterling. Ralph was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy; his sisters, Shirley (Lyle) Gregory of Milledgeville and Delpha (Ernie) Terrell of East Moline; three brothers, Blaine (Linda) Riesselman of Rock Falls, and Gregory (Bess) Riesselman and Lance Riesselman, both of Lincoln; two sisters-in-law, Betty Mapson of Sterling and Ruby Riesselman of Peoria; many nieces, nephews, and  friends; and his special little dog, "Amy."

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Gordon Riesselman and Bobby Mapson.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Judi Huseth officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McDonald Funeral Home, 102 12th Ave., Rock Falls.

Memorials in his memory maybe made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, or Hospice of the Rock River Valley.